Las Vegas puts chips on single-stream recycling

LAS VEGAS -- The Las Vegas area appears to be going all-in on single-stream recycling.

Clark County commissioners approved an ordinance Tuesday to make the switch, although the board did not OK an agreement with the area's waste hauler, Republic Services.

According to media reports, commissioners want to conduct some studies and have an escape clause in an agreement with Republic allowing the county to end single-stream recycling if it doesn't work out.

The switch to single-stream also marks changes in the area's trash and recycling collection. Biweekly collection of recycling will switch to weekly and twice-weekly collection of residential trash will change to once a week, the reports said.

Some residents complained that the change to once-a-week trash collection will not result in a reduction in bills. However, a Republic spokesman told commissions the company will use any savings caused by the switch to upgrade its fleet, the Las Vegas Sun reported.